Method for cleaning of welding torches

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for removing adhered particles from the contact tip of a welding torch, wherein a short-time duration stream of cleaning gas with a high speed is directed to said contact tip.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention relates to a method for removing adhered particles from a surface of a cavity or a tube, especially from the gas nozzle and / or from the contact tip of a welding torch, wherein said cavity or said tube is subjected to a cleaning gas flow. Further, the invention relates to a device for cleaning of a cavity or a tube, especially of the gas nozzle and / or of the contact tip of a welding torch, comprising a cleaning gas nozzle, means for opening the flow of gas through said cleaning gas nozzle and a gas supply system connected to said cleaning gas nozzle.[0002]Welding normally creates spatter during operation. Spatters are small metallic particles, mainly from the filler material, that are thrown out of the weld arc or the weld pool. These spatters are very hot, more or less in melted condition, but will cool down during their flight through the gas shield and air.[0003]In MIG and MAG welding (in the US called GMA or FCA welding), the most co...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an improved method and device for cleaning surfaces, particularly welding torches, gas nozzles, and contact tips. The method involves using a short-time duration stream of cleaning gas with high speed to remove any adhered particles. The device includes a cleaning gas nozzle, an opening valve, and a gas supply system. The cleaning gas can be a high-pressure gas or a mixture of high-pressure gas and low-pressure gas. The cleaning gas can be in gaseous form or a mixture of gas and liquid. The method and device can be used to clean small tubes or cavities with minimal spatter or impurities. The invention aims to provide a more efficient and effective method for cleaning surfaces, particularly in welding applications.

Problems solved by technology

In MIG and MAG welding (in the US called GMA or FCA welding), the most common welding method in manufacturing industry, these spatters can cause reduced gas shield with welding defects as results.

Deposit of too much spatter would decrease the outlet orifice, disturb the flow of shielding gas and deteriorate the weld quality.

However, since reaming is abrasive, wear is high and the gas nozzles get consumed.

Furthermore, time for cleaning is rather long and the reamer may effect the position of the welding torch so that the tool centre point is lost.

Further drawbacks of reaming are:High wear of the shielding gas nozzle resulting in that spatter more easily adheres to the nozzleRisk that the gas nozzle gets stuck in the reamer which can cause an expensive stop in the productionThe workshop can be covered with an oil film which increases risk for injuries.Handling of oil is in general negative for the environment.Only shielding gas nozzles with a cylindrical shape can be cleaned.Only the shielding gas nozzle is cleaned.

But that method only works with ferritic materials.

However, there is the risk that loosened spatter remains inside the welding torch.

Further, the production of CO2 snow from liquid CO2 is often related to special safety precautions, high costs and some uncertainties.

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